A call to 'love thy neighbor' at Eastern Nazarene

Eastern Nazarene College held its 91st commencement on Saturday, awarding degrees to 210 students. Eugenio R. Duarte, general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, urged the graduates to treat others as their neighbors no matter where they live or wjhat they believe.

By Grant Tyson

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Grant Tyson

Posted May. 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 4, 2013 at 4:22 AM

By Grant Tyson

Posted May. 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 4, 2013 at 4:22 AM

QUINCY

» Social News

Eastern Nazarene College held its 91st commencement on Saturday, awarding degrees to 210 students.

Eugenio R. Duarte, general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, urged the graduates to treat others as their neighbors no matter where they live or what they believe.

‘There is no comfort in the growth zone and no growth in the comfort zone,” he said.

Duarte asked the graduates to use values the college instilled in them – compassion, sympathy and caring – in their future endeavors.

“Treat others as your neighbors regardless of their geographical proximity or political beliefs,” Duarte said.

Many of the 210 graduates received cheers from the audience and hugs from faculty members and as they received their diplomas Saturday.

“I completed my bachelor’s degree in science (at Eastern Nazarene) and just received my master’s in science and management,” said Keisha DeJesus, 41, of Raynham.

She completed the required classes for both degrees in five years and plans to take a break and enjoy the beautiful weather before pursuing a career as a manager of a community health center.

Nilson Semedo, 31, of Brockton received his bachelor of arts degree Saturday afternoon and plans to continue his education at Eastern Nazarene. He said he wanted to earn a master’s degree to get a better job.

Rebecca Boddie, 22, of Duxbury received her bachelor’s in music education. The 2009 Weymouth High School graduate won the senior award for outstanding music major earlier this spring. She will be volunteering as a student teacher this coming fall, and then she’s going to look for a job.